Cellular Administration Block

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Freestanding building within a metal fence enclosure within zone F2. Bounded by the perimeter wall and inertia to west and administrative zone internal road and fences to east. Lies to north and separated by high fence from the Cellular Health Care Facility and south of Administrative libraries.

Two storey administrative and emergency control building for entire prison. Concrete walls, brick facing, flat roof, aligned north south. Rectangular plan with taller and wider element to north including a taller element positioned centrally on the north elevation. Regular fenestration to east and west elevations on southern half of building with similar fenestration at ground floor to north elevation. No windows on east elevation at north end with high level security windows at first floor level of west elevation. Fenestration on north elevation confined to west side. Steel framed windows

Main entrance of timber doors with small viewing panels on north. Secondary entrance on south also of timber with upper glazed panel. Only two storey structure in prison however did not capitalise on views.

Historical information

See HB19/04/030 for general historical background to prison. This building would have had a pivotal role in the control and command of the entire prison at all times and is therefore directly associated with all key events therein.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

D. Plan Form
I. Quality and survival of Interior
J. Setting
K. Group value

Criteria for listing: historic interest

V. Authorship
X. Local Interest
Z. Rarity
W. Northern Ireland/International Interest
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance

Evaluation

This building forms the main administrative centre for the whole prison but more specifically the Maze Cellular and was one of the few buildings to have a full second storey. As the central control for the entire prison this building is of special interest for this key role and for its unique function and accommodation. Its setting and internal detail contribute to its character. It has group value with nearby listed structures.